[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda delivers an energy-efficient 71-pitch performance, allowing only one hit no runs in six innings: "It was the best," "I was able to do everything I wanted to do" | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] Kenta Maeda delivers an energy-efficient performance with 6 innings, 1 hit, no runs and 71 pitches: "It was the best," "I was able to do everything I wanted to do."

Sports Hochi

March 18, 2026 05:15

◆Exhibition game Rakuten Eagles 0-0 Seibu Lions (17th, Belluna Dome)

Starting pitcher Kenta Maeda pitched six innings, giving up only one hit and no runs, a truly impressive performance.

He clocked a top speed of 151 km/h from the first inning and pitched well, retiring the side in order in each of the first six innings. In the fifth inning, he allowed his first hit of the day to Hayashi Anka, but then got Nishikawa to hit into a double double play. He also threw a low 71 pitches.

Looking ahead to the opening of the season in Japanese baseball for the first time in 11 years, he said with a sense of fulfillment, "It was great. I was able to pitch inning, so in that sense, I think I was able to do everything I wanted to do today."